Trenton: The Millennials Are Coming

Greater Trenton, a nonprofit group working to boost Trenton’s economic development, has released a downtown Trenton residential market study undertaken in conjunction with the Trenton Parking Authority to determine the market potential and optimum market position for newly introduced housing units in downtown Trenton.

The study reveals a strong demand for up to 760 housing units in downtown Trenton over the next five years with younger singles and couples representing the largest share of that market at 68 percent.

“We’re excited about Trenton’s growing residential market demand, which will help fuel economic activity throughout the city,” said Trenton Mayor Eric Jackson. “More residential and mixed-use development will enhance downtown Trenton as a sought-after living destination as well as a premiere state capital and a business destination.”

The study was conducted by consultants Zimmerman/Volk Associates. According to the study, demand for up to 600 of the 760 units in downtown Trenton includes apartment rentals, for-sale condominiums, and rowhouses/townhomes.

“Combining Trenton’s affordability and multi-modal transit orientation with quality of life assets in downtown Trenton, including its riveting history and historic buildings, vibrant arts community, landmark museums, parks, up-and-coming neighborhoods, and more, it’s no wonder why there’s a growing demand for housing here,” said George Sowa, founding CEO of Greater Trenton. “However, to maximize Trenton’s residential market, it will be important to focus on developing higher-density housing types while also redeveloping existing buildings in downtown Trenton.”

According to the American Community Survey, which measures population mobility, the City of Trenton — where nearly 17.8 percent of the city’s population moved from one dwelling unit to another from 2014 to 2015 — has a mobility rate higher than the national average of just under 12 percent.

Approximately 64 percent of Trenton’s population that changed residences between 2014 and 2015 moved from elsewhere in Mercer County, and another 21.5 percent moved from another county in New Jersey, most notably from Middlesex, Burlington, Somerset, and Monmouth counties, New Jersey or from Bucks County, Pennsylvania.

“The fact that nearly 50 percent of younger singles and couples are projected to move to downtown Trenton from areas outside of Mercer County speaks volumes about the city’s appeal to a population of millennials,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes.

“In addition to the historic attractions in Trenton, numerous nearby Mercer County attractions including Grounds For Sculpture, Princeton University Art Museum, Washington Crossing Historic Park, and many others, enhance the attractiveness of residential living in downtown Trenton.”

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